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Jaguars rookie right tackle Luke Joeckel appears to be close to a return to practice.

The second overall pick in April’s draft suffered a hip flexor injury in the team’s scrimmage at EverBank Field on Aug. 3. He practiced all four days the following week before it flared up in the preseason opener against Miami on Aug. 9.

The 6-foot-6, 306-pound Joeckel didn’t participate in practice with the team on Wednesday but did some work with injured defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick.

“I’m ready to get back on the field, for sure,” Joeckel said. “I’m feeling great. There really haven’t been any setbacks. I need to keep working on my game, so I’m ready for the season. I need the reps, so I’m ready to get back. They’ve got a lot smarter guys than me helping me out, so we’ll see what the plan is.”

The plan could be a return to practice Thursday and medical clearance to play against Philadelphia on Saturday. When asked about Joeckel’s return, Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said, “hopefully maybe tomorrow.”

Bradley also didn’t rule Joeckel out for the game against the Eagles.

The 21-year-old Joeckel has dealt with a predicament any player goes through at some point — be honest with the staff about an injury, or try to play through it quietly. Joeckel only missed two practices in his three seasons at Texas A&M.

“You’ve got to be smart about it,” Joeckel said. “I’ve always believed that your bone better be broken or blood better be pouring out for you to step off the field. That’s how I grew up, so it’s tough having a muscle strain like I’ve got. It’s tough to sit out for that. But you’ve got to be smart in the preseason and get ready for a 16-game season.”

Weaver visits practice

Former Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver attended the team’s practice Wednesday. Weaver sold the team to Shad Khan.

Weaver talked with Jaguars veterans like offensive linemen Eugene Monroe and Uche Nwaneri, as well as Bradley and general manager Dave Caldwell.

Weaver spent over an hour watching the team before leaving with roughly 10 minutes left.

He declined media interviews but did say he enjoyed watching the team and was proud of them. Weaver also complimented quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s play against the Jets on Saturday night.

“It was cool to see Mr. Weaver,” Nwaneri said. “He always interacted with players when we saw him. He always had a happy face on, smiled and said ‘Hi’ to me. I got to know him as the years went on. Even though he’s sold the team and moved on from the Jaguars, he’s still a major part of the Jacksonville community. So, I thought it was really cool that he came out to check out a practice.”

Barnes faces challenge vs. Eagles

Rookie defensive tackle T.J. Barnes played 34 snaps against the Jets.

He could face a greater conditioning test on Saturday. Philadelphia’s offense is the most up-tempo in the league this preseason under first-year coach Chip Kelly.

The 6-foot-7, 364-pound Barnes is hoping he can show off his stamina as he fights for a roster spot.

“I want to show that a guy my size can last when facing an up-tempo offense,” Barnes said. “There aren’t too many guys my size running from sideline to sideline. So I’ve got to go out there and prove it.”

Etc.

The Jaguars had their first weather interruption of training camp in terms of morning practices. A lightning delay caused the team to go indoors for 15 minutes. … Bradley summed up practice as “a good day, not a great day.” … Bradley also said practice was cut short to help the players start getting their legs back.